Bobby Watson: Quiet As It's Kept (2000)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: November 1, 1999

Bobby Watson has recorded on and off for RED Records since the mid-1980s. His RED releases, all critically acclaimed, comprise an impressive collection had he never recorded another note. His other RED recordings include Round Trip, Appointment in Milano, Love Remains, This Little Light of Mine, and now Quiet As It’s Kept. All are uniformly fine and daring, just like the saxophonist himself. > Ballads with a Latin Fragrance. Recorded in New York by guitarist Lenny Argese in August of 1998, Quiet As It’s Kept is universally a ballad collection with a Latin nose. Joined by a host of studio veterans, Watson expertly brews a beautifully soft and thoughtful compilation of originals and not-so-standard standards. Watson’s tone is simply perfect as are his arrangements and compositions. Watson’s support provides a plush and delicate base supporting his effortless, masculine performances. I typically offer disc highlights, but this collection, taken as a whole deserves the listener’s total attention. This recording has no weakness. Totally transparent Music that is roundly recommended.

Track Listing: Looking Into Your Eyes; Always a Friend; Afternoon in Ottobrun; Just Bobby Watson: Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Terell Stafford: Trumpet; Orrin Evans: Piano; Lenny Argese: Guitar; Curtis Lundy: Bass; Ralph Peterson: Drums; Marlon Simon: Percussion; Pamela Watson: Vocals.

Personnel: Bobby Watson: alto and soprano saxophones, Terell Stafford: trumpet; Orrin Evans: piano; Lenny Argese: guitar; Curtis Lundy: bass; Ralph Peterson: drums; Marlon Simon: percussion; Pamela Watson: vocals.

Record Label: Red Records